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Hi everyone! Today’s featured author during the 30 Days event is E.N. Hardy! Check out her book, I Used To Cry: The Essence Of Essence.

Now, here’s E.N.! 🙂

E.N. Hardy was born and raised in Inkster, Michigan. Writing became a passion for her at a very young age, as an outlet, and as a means to deal with trying circumstances. She loves to write poetry, erotica, and in her own words “emotional fiction.” The only thing that matters to her is the way you “feel” after reading her work. She enjoys a career in healthcare education, and does lots of reading in her spare time. Her all time favorite author is V. C. Andrews, with Frank McCourt being a very close second. In 2012 she began working on her debut novel I Used To Cry: The Essence of Essence. She currently resides in the Metro Detroit area with her husband and four children. Her favorite phrase is:
~When All Else Fails Just Write~

~Because All I Want To Do Is Make You Feel~

I am a self published author under my company Hard Pen Publications the I Used to Cry The Essence of Essence was released on 7/1/17 with a follow up book I Used To Cry, Essence Evolved coming very soon.

It’s the last week of the 30 Days 30 Authors event, but there are still more wonderful authors to discover!

Kicking off the last week is W. Mason Dunn! Check out her interview, as well as read an excerpt from her book, Faithful Father.

Now, here’s W! 🙂

The author, W. Mason Dunn, born in Bossier City, Louisiana, received her undergraduate degree from Texas College in Business Administration and earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She is an established professional at Florida A&M University, where she has been employed for the last eleven years. Before joining the staff at Florida A&M, she worked for 12 years as a higher education counselor for the military while traveling with her husband before he retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service. The breadth of her personal and professional experiences have contributed enormously to her fascinatingly inspirational writings.

Waletta has been married for 31 years to retired Marine, Donald Michael Dunn. She is the proud mother of two young, adult children, Michael Stewart Dunn and daughter, Ashley Elaine Dunn.

Mrs. Dunn participated in many writing and speech competitions in her younger years. She traveled her home state of Louisiana participating in numerous contests, winning many of them. One of her most memorable competitions was the “Voice of Democracy Contest”. Mrs. Dunn was originally interested in journalism until she took her first accounting class in college, which catapulted her career in a different direction. However, inspired by her award-winning sister, screen and play write, Judi Ann Mason (“Sister Act II; Back In The Habit”, “A Different World”, “I’ll Fly Away”), Mrs. Dunn never lost her love and passion of writing.

1.Besides writing, what else do you like to do?

In addition to writing, I enjoy reading, solving crossword puzzles and spending time with my family.

2. What inspired you to become an author?

I am inspired to write by real-life events. I write about the practical application of God’s Word in our lives.

3. What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

I cried when I say my debut novel. The desire to write a novel had been planted in my heart when I was a child. It was amazing to see my dream come to fruition.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself as a full time author, inspirational speaker and writing coach in the next 5 years.

5. Do you have any new projects that you are currently working on?

I am working on my 3th book, A Family Dilemma. It will be released October 2017.

6. What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

I would advice anyone who wants to become an author to do three things. First, never give up. Second, learn all you can about the craft. And third, never give up.

Dani was nine years old when she was kidnapped from the front porch of her grandmother’s house. Her kidnapping had been carefully planned and her captors knew exactly how to entice her.

Chocolate.

Most kids loved chocolate, and Dani was no exception.

She lived in an all-black neighborhood in Shreveport, Louisiana. An assortment of small red, gray, maple and white brick homes lined both sides of Madison Avenue. No two houses were alike. But they had one thing in common … the security that comes from being among your own kind in the racist south. One could exist for days and never see a white person outside of television. The community contained schools, shops, churches and even government services. Racial tensions were peaking in Shreveport in 1972. The Police Service Commissioner had blocked local civil rights movements and folks were trying to make it safely from one day to the next.

Even within the safety of their neighborhood, Dani was allowed to be in only one or two places-her house or her Grandmother’s house, which was two houses down. At any given time she could be found at one of the two homes.

Her best friend was Mrs. Beasley. Mrs. Beasley had a head made of vinyl. Her face was framed with square black plastic glasses. She was a blonde-haired baby doll with a soft blue and white polka dot body. They sat in our imaginary kitchen on the front porch of grandmother’s small, red-brick home. Sitting in the white metal tulip chair, Dani changed Mrs. Beasley into her new red dress.

The sound of a car slowing down in front of the house pulled Dani away from the land of make-believe. A two-door, white Chevy Impala pulled up and parked at the front curb and a woman got out.

The caramel-colored young woman walked toward Dani. She wore a tie-dyed tunic, white polyester bellbottoms, and she smiled at Dani the way a relative would smile when seeing a long-lost loved one.

The woman knelt down next to Dani and said, “I have something for you in my car.” Instantly, as she held Mrs. Beasley in my arms, Dani was scooped into the woman’s arms and into the parked car.

“Do you see that candy?” asked the woman, pointing to the back seat. Dani could see the bag of Hershey chocolates waiting for her.

“Yes.”

Dani wondered how the woman knew that Hershey Chocolate bars were her favorite.

Dani jumped across the front seat toward the candy. The sweat from her legs squeaked against the vinyl seats as she made her way to the bag. Mommee would never allow her to eat candy before lunch. But Momme was at work and would never find out.

Before she could put the first piece of chocolate in her mouth, they were all three-including Mrs. Beasley-sitting in the car and speeding down the street.

Out of the rear window, Dani could see Grandmother’s house moving farther and farther away.

She never saw Mommee or Grandmother again.

Win W’s book, More Than Sisters, as well as books from each participating author, in the 30 Days giveaway!

Hi everyone!! We’re almost to the end of the 30 Days 30 Authors event, but there are six more amazing authors that you all should get to know.

Today, Kay Blake will be gracing the blog, as she shares her books and her journey as an author.

Now, here’s Kay! 🙂

Kay writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. She is a mom to three cubs.
Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after.
Social Media

Twitter/Instagram: @authorkayblake

Besides writing, what else do you like to do

Not too long ago I received my bachelor’s in developmental psychology. I am an avid reader. I love books. I loved reading and the written word. I love movies. I love being around my cubs (my kids). So that is usually what I do when I’m not writing.

What inspired you to become an author?

I love to write. I love the written word. I originally when I was younger wanted to be a singer, but that dream died once I realized I don’t like performing in front of people. After that I wanted to be a criminal prosecutor but after my first child, that changed. One of the things I have always done was write. I used to write songs, poems, short stories and fan fiction growing up. Writing gives me peace and I honestly enjoy telling a story.

What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

I first published a short story in 2014 which was cool, but I think when I first published my novella Second Time’s a Charm it was surreal. I couldn’t stop smiling. I had it in print and it was seriously amazing. There were no words for that excitement and pride I felt.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Hopefully I will have a bigger audience of my work. I would love to be signed to one of the big five publishing houses. I just want to create stuff that people enjoy and if I can get a bigger reach and do so living comfortably that is my main goals for the next five years.

What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

Write. Everyday. Even when you don’t want to. Don’t expect things to be prefect. It won’t be. Don’t expect to be J.K Rowling tomorrow most likely that won’t happen. Keep working at your craft. Getting yourself out there and keep going. Also always be yourself in your work. Let your voice shine through in your words.

Nominated for the 2016 Summer Indie Book Awards in three categories.
(Romance, Contemporary and Novella/Short Stories)
Nominated for the 2016 Scribe Awards in two categories.
(Best Romance and Best Romance of 2016)

An Interracial Romance Novella

She wasn’t supposed to still feel this way?

Liz Alexander hasn’t been to New York City in six years. She left behind the life as she knew it and the man that broke her heart. When tragedy strikes, Liz is forced to go back and face the man she thought she no longer loved.

Liam Parker hasn’t seen Liz since she packed her bags and moved across country. Now seeing Liz again after all this time made Liam realize that he would do anything to get the woman he loves back.

Will the past get in the way? Or will their love have a second chance?

Interracial Romance/Contemporary Romance Novelette.

Zoe Reynolds life is thrown in a tailspin when she catches her fiancé sleeping with his receptionist. Reeling from his betrayal and wanting a change fast, she cuts her hair and purchases tickets to go on a seven day cruise to the Caribbean. All Zoe wanted was some fun in the sun and some time to paint. That was until she meets handsome but shy Donatello “Donnie” Carson a forensics investigator who is on the cruise only to appease his best friend. Donnie is still hung up over bitter loses in his life, but with Zoe he is able to start living again.
Though both have past wounds, sparks fly and their connection sends them on a whirlwind romance. Can Zoe and Donnie let go of the past and find solace in each other?

An Interracial Romantic Suspense Novella.

Eden has always taken care of herself. She didn’t need or accept any help from anyone. It’s always been that way. She finally thought her life was back on track until her boss was murdered in front of her.

After ending up in the hospital and finding out that the ones who killed her boss were still at large, Eden is sure that her best bet would be to get out of the city and fast.

Steven has been living his life one day at a time, battling the demons from his past. When his old army buddy calls and asks for a favor, he is hesitant. Needing the money, begrudgingly he takes the job which requires that he keeps Eden safe.

With Eden being headstrong, and Steven worried that he may not be the right man for the job, they can’t deny that they are attracted to each other.

Can Steven get past his demons and work his way into Eden’s heart while keeping her safe? Can Eden let her guard down enough to trust Steven can take care of her and her heart?

Blurb from I Knew You Were Trouble:

He seemed to be nothing but trouble.

Ally had something to prove. She wanted a new start. So, she took a job across the country to be the personal photographer to this up and coming rock band called Runnin on E. What she didn’t expect was to be captivated by the lead singer of the band Ethan Avery. Ethan’s blond hair, blue eyes and a voice that can melt the panties off of any woman spelled trouble. Big trouble. And after what she left behind she couldn’t afford any more.
But sometimes temptation is just too hard to resist.

Music was my only solace until I met her.

From the outside looking in, Ethan has everything. He’s the lead singer of the new rock band Runnin on E’. He has devastating good looks and women. Lots of women. But Ethan has his demons. He hides them behind the lyrics of his songs. New found fame is nice, but Ethan wants something more. He wants someone who knows there’s more to him than what meets the eye. And that someone is Ally. She’s beautiful. She’s different. She sees him. All of him. And now he wants her more than he’s ever wanted anything.
Can he leave his past demons behind and have the future he never thought he deserved?

Win Kay’s book, I Knew You Were Trouble, along with books from each participating author during the 30 Days giveaway!

Hi everyone!! It’s the weekend, but the 30 Days 30 Authors event is still going strong! Today, Carla D. Youngblood is the next author to be featured. Let’s take a journey with her as she talks about her writing career.

Now, here’s Carla! 🙂

Carla D. Youngblood is a life strategist, speaker, and author. She is an expert at teaching women how to bring order and structure to their lives and build a life in preparation to meet life’s challenges. As a life strategist she coaches, mentors and teaches women leaders in business and ministry. Her goal is to help women take care of themselves so they can care for others. Carla believes that when women are able to care themselves they are better able to care of others. Her clients are mostly business owners who need to focus on making sure they live a balanced life spiritually, mentally and physically. It is a strategy for success!

“When women get ‘caught up’ in the emotions of their minds, it is almost impossible to walk in the reality of life.”

Carla D. Youngblood
This statement has caused me to wonder why God created us as emotional creatures. I was sure that when God created us, he knew the necessity and purpose of the state of our emotions. I have even wondered if our emotional state was the result of our humanity.

Win a copy of Carla’s book, Emotions Of The Mind, as well as other books by each participating author in the 30 Days giveaway!

Hi everyone! Welcome back to the 30 Days 30 Authors event! Today’s featured author is Siren Allen. Get to know her and her books as well as her journey to becoming an author.

Now, here’s Siren! 🙂

Siren Allen is a writer, a wife, a clinical laboratory scientist and the best auntie in the world. (The last one is her greatest accomplishment.) She loves writing gritty crime romances, supernatural love stories, and fun and sassy chick-lit. She believes her ability to create amazing characters and intriguing stories is a gift from God. And she enjoys sharing that gift with her readers. She has so much in store for you. So, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

Besides writing, what else do you like to do?

I work full time as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. I love my job. But when I’m not doing that or writing, I love hanging out with my nieces and nephews. They keep me up on what’s hip. LOL. I also enjoy binge watching Netflix shows. I am addicted to The Walking Dead, Game Of Thrones, Preacher, Power and Insecure.

What inspired you to become an author?

Being an avid reader. I love reading. I come from a family of readers. Reading opened the door for writing and I hope writing opens the door for future endeavors.

What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

I was at work when it finally hit Amazon. I think the whole hospital heard me scream. I called every floor of the hospital to let the nurses know my book was available. They were so supportive. I think all of them purchased my book that night. Needless to say, I was beyond ecstatic.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I hope to be a full-time writer by then. Fingers crossed. I also would like to write for T.V.

What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

Never stop writing. No matter what anyone says. If this is your passion, give it your all. There will be bumps in the road: naysayers and bad reviews. Roll with it and keep doing what you do.

There lived a witch by the name of Celeste Dubois, who was tired of her sister witches disturbing her eternal slumber with their cries. Lately, they all called out to her with the same plea, ‘stop Rip Van Warren, the witch hunter’. Unable to ignore their cries, she lures Rip into her world, where she keeps him as her prisoner for twenty years. She had every intention of torturing him for those twenty years. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

For twenty years Rip Van Warren is held captive by a beautiful bayou witch. He should hate her. However, their time together has made him rethink his vendetta against witches. All of his life he thought magic was evil. Celeste has taught him that it’s a gift to be treasured, almost as much as he treasures her.

When an unexpected threat enters their lives, Celeste is forced to send him back to his own world in order to protect him. He awakens in the middle of the swamp, confused and dazed. His memories of the last twenty years are foggy. Yet, there’s one person he’ll never forget, the witch he left behind. He’s desperately seeking a way back to her. However, the witches of New Orleans aren’t willing to help a famous witch hunter.

Will the dark witch and the dark hunter have their happily ever after?
Or will he return too late to save the witch he loves?

Excerpt from Into The Darkness:

Chained to the wall, Rip tilted his head back and opened his mouth. Drop after drop of water landed on his tongue. It wasn’t enough. But it was more than he’d had over the last two days. Or had it been three? Maybe six.

It was hard to tell time in this place that wasn’t supposed to exist. Where was his captor? Was she truly prepared to allow him to starve to death? After their last encounter, he’d thought he’d won her over, convinced her that he was no longer a threat to her and her sister witches.

She’d allowed him to touch her again, to caress her soft skin and bring her to an orgasm. Then she’d pushed him away and ordered him to his cell. He was growing tired of her mood swings. Either she was going to torture him or she was going to let him show her how good it could be between the two of them. She couldn’t have it both ways. She couldn’t spend her days avoiding him only to call him to her each night then push him away before morning.

Hell, who was he kidding? He was her prisoner. She could do whatever she wanted. She’d reminded him of that countless times. He was the fool for wanting more. He was a fool for thinking they could move past their differences.

He was done playing these games with her. Witches were evil. He was a witch hunter. It was his job to eradicate them from the face of the Earth. One sexy bayou witch wasn’t going to convince him otherwise.

As soon as he figured out a way to free himself, he was going to teach her a few rules about torture. Rule number one: never let your enemy know your weakness. He knew exactly what to do to make Celeste Dubois weak.

Win Siren’s book, Into The Darkness, along with books from each participating author in the 30 Days giveaway!

Hi everyone! Today’s featured during the 30 days event is Danyelle Scroggins! She was recently featured on my blog a few months back with her release, Put It In Ink. That book will be apart of the event’s giveaway.

Let’s get to know Danyelle as she talks about her journey in the industry as well as read an excerpt from Put It In Ink.

Now, here’s Danyelle! 🙂

Author Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies from Liberty University, and is presently working on a Master’s in Religious Education from the Liberty University. Danyelle owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC and is the author of several Christian fiction and nonfiction books including: His Mistress or God’s Daughter?, Not Too Far Gone, Destiny’s Decision, Put It In Ink, & The Power Series: Pain, Restoration, Love, & Forgiving”. She is the wife of Pastor Reynard Scroggins, a mother of three, a mother by marriage to two, and recently became the grandmother of Emiya’rai Grace.

To find out more about Pastor & Author Danyelle Scroggins and her ministries, please visit any of the sites below:

I absolutely love feeding the flock of Jesus as site pastor of New Vessels Ministries North. I love preaching and teaching the Word of God.

2. What inspired you to become an author?

I would like to think Amelia Bedelia played a huge role in my desire to write, but I know for sure it was a closer walk with God that pushed me into writing. It was a desire to reveal the secrets of pain and hurt I experienced, hoping someone else may read and become healed.

3. What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

When I held that printed book in my hand, I literally began to do what the black folks calls Shout. I danced and praised God all around my house. It was so surreal and I felt like God proved He trusted me to reach those I would not ordinarily be able to reach by spoken word.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Preferably somewhere relaxing on vacation getting ready to start another novel or preaching in Africa alongside my favorite pastor of all time, but certainly still doing the two things I love, preaching the Gospel and writing books.

5. Do you have any new projects that you are currently working on?

Yes, I am currently about to release “Enduring Love” which was featured in an anthology this year. I have some other things in the crockpot and next year will be a phenomenal year for me if the Lord wills.

6. What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

Stay true to you. Whatever you like to read, is probably what you will write the best. Don’t allow anyone to persuade you to write anything you do not whole heartedly believe in or allow them to alter your train of thoughts for the sake of good editing. Say what you want to live on longer than you will because words are powerful and whatever you write can last a lifetime. Regardless to those who say you can’t, or the spirit of fear that will urge you not to write, pray first, push through, and prevail.

Reading is my hobby and although I love romance, my favorite genre is Christian or Inspirational Fiction. Writing is my love and my job. I write so that others will be able to see God’s hands of mercy and His grace. While some people never make it or feel comfortable in the Christian communal place called the church, I write so that they will get that opportunity at least once a year. Put It In Ink was one of the first books I ever wrote. It is as if the more adamant I became to finish this book, God kept moving into another direction. My set time came and my prayer is that God heal hearts. I know this book is in His timing so it will do what He has set it in the atmosphere to do.

Win a copy of Danyelle’s book, Put It In Ink, along with books from each participating author in the 30 Days giveaway!

Hi everyone!! How is everyone enjoying the 30 Days event? I really hope you all have discovered some new authors and added their books to your TBR list.

Adrienne Ruvalcaba is another author to add to your list. Check out her interview as well as her wonderful book collection.

Now, here’s Adrienne! 🙂

Adrienne D’nelle Ruvalcaba is from Southeast Texas. After high school, she joined the U.S. Army and served four years at Fort Campbell, KY. Following her army days, and one failed attempt at marriage, she and her two children relocated so she could enroll in the Engineering program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. While there, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural analysis. Also while at SIU, she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This diagnosis significantly changed her life.

Since the onset of SLE, she has learned a lot about those close to her and even more about herself. After a few years of struggling to accept Lupus as part of her life, she has come to a more peaceful place and no longer lets her disease define who she is.
​
Adrienne has a love of writing that dates back to grade school, and she often takes solace in the many worlds she creates in her imagination. She writes women’s fiction and romance, and her books are meant purely for emotional fulfillment, enjoyment, and sweet escapism. Real life is difficult enough, and she believes we all need a little break from it sometimes.

Besides writing, what else do you like to do?

Besides writing, I do a lot of crafting. I love to find things that don’t look nice and make them into something artistic and pretty. I’ve saved a few dressers from the dumpster. I’ve also done a lot of decoupage, sewing, paper crafting, and drawing. Most of my drawings are Bezier Curve art or Mandala art.

What inspired you to become an author?

My inspiration for being an author is simple. I just can’t stop writing. The universe inside me feels as real as the one I live in, and if I didn’t write, I might go crazy.

What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

I’ve always been an indie author, so my reaction when my first novel was published could be summed up as, “Wow! I had no idea this was going to be so much work…”

I was excited, but also overwhelmed.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I see myself as a healthier version of the person I am now. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know I’ll still be writing, but how popular my books will be remains to be seen.

What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

If you want to become an author, don’t get so bogged down in logistics and mechanics that it stifles your creativity. Just write! Until you have completed at least one project, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just do your best to get something finished. You can always edit, make it better, and go from there. But you will get nowhere if you don’t believe in yourself enough to just keep writing until you’ve finished something.

When unspeakable tragedy strikes, Max is the only person capable of giving Andie the support she needs to get through it. Andie suddenly finds herself broken and alone, and Max’s hand is her only lifeline as darkness takes over her entire life. Gone are her career aspirations, her desire to start a family, and even her husband. Her Darkest Day tells the story of how Max’s unwavering love and friendship inspire the return of Andie’s will to live. The only question is, will their unspoken love for each other turn into something real and lasting?

In this flashback book, the story of how Andie, Max, and Derek met and became friends is told. Andie is a struggling waitress, living in the same neighborhood as a young, streetwise Max. Max is an aspiring MMA fighter who also does freelance website development to earn extra money. When a chance encounter with Andie rocks his world, he is inspired to make the changes that redefine his life and set him on the path to being the wildly successful businessman his is in Book One (Her Darkest Day). Fireworks fly from the beginning, but life comes between them. Find out how such a beautiful beginning ultimately leads to heartbreak before Andie and Max build a true friendship that stands the test of time

In the exciting conclusion of Andie and Max’s story, we revisit them two years after the last time they saw each other in Book One. Max is on the verge of marrying an Academy Award winning actress, and Andie is in the midst of major career transformations. A bombshell moment gives the two of them another chance to be together, but will they take the chance? Or will their past prove to be too complicated and painful for them to make it work? In The Endgame, secrets, both past and present, are revealed as Andie and Max learn the healing and transformative power of love and trust.

Creole Nights:

Ten original sexy tales from ten bestselling authors. When the sun goes down in New Orleans the heat will rise. Take a sensual exploration of those Creole nights with our hosts of humans, witches, vampires, shifters, wolves, sorcerer, ghost, reapers, voodoo priestess, warlocks, demons, priests and angels. Find out who lives, who dies, who loves for once in a lifetime. Read their sides of the story.

The Beast Within- LaVerne Thompson – From moonrise to moon set the beast will rule.